The Supreme Court has ordered four police officers attached to the Kosgoda Police Station to pay Rs. 2 million in compensation for their involvement in the arbitrary arrest of a police constable and his wife.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court found that the four officers, including the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Kosgoda Police Station, violated the Fundamental Rights of the Police Constable as outlined in Articles 12(1), 13(1), and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution. The Court emphasized the duty of the Sri Lanka Police to uphold the law and ensure public safety, raising concerns about accountability within the police force.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court ordered the compensation to be paid by the four officers from their personal funds. Additionally, the State is directed to pay Rs. 25,000 each to the petitioner and his wife.
The three-judge bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva, and Priyantha Fernando noted instances of false actions repeatedly filed against the petitioner, P.D.A. Panapitiya, by the OIC of the Kosgoda Police Station, Mangala De Soyza, Inspector Asela Premanath, and Police Sergeant Indika de Silva.
Moreover, the Supreme Court directed that a copy of the judgment be forwarded to the National Police Commission for appropriate disciplinary action against the respondents.
Counsel Geeth Karunarathna, along with Bhagya Peiris, represented the petitioners, while Deputy Solicitor General Anoopa de Silva appeared on behalf of the Attorney General."
